Rising since 1994, #1,176 for boys today.
Popularity of Ash since 1975
Babies named Ash per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 10 |
| 1980s | 0 | 14 |
| 1990s | 10 | 66 |
| 2000s | 6 | 358 |
| 2010s | 44 | 944 |
| 2020s | 85 | 1,143 |
Meaning & origin
Ash is a short, sturdy nature name that has been in use since at least 1975, when it first appeared in U.S. records. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 1994, reaching its peak rank of 1176 in 2023. In 2025, approximately 1 in 9760 boys received the name, with the highest concentrations in Iowa, Oregon, and Utah. The name's appeal lies in its strong, elemental sound and its connection to the ash tree, a symbol of strength and growth. As a modern nature name, Ash fits alongside other tree-inspired names like Oak and Willow, but with a concise, one-syllable punch that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Ash is a nature name taken directly from the ash tree (Fraxinus). In Norse mythology, the world tree Yggdrasil was an ash, and the first man, Ask, was created from an ash. The name has been used in modern times, especially as a short form of Ashley, but also as a standalone name.
Where Ash is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ash” around the world
Where Ash lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Ash
Names that share Ash's style, for a brother or sister.
